When extremely cold weather strikes so does the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cochrane Fire Services have responded to three carbon monoxide related calls this past week.

Fire Inspector Jeff Avery says that with fireplaces and furnaces working overtime as well as people keeping their cars running to warm them; the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning becomes elevated. 

He says "When it's so cold everyone that has a fireplace has it going, vehicles are running constantly, furnaces are kicking in constantly. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is great when you have a dirty furnace, or you could have a bit of a plugged flute in your fireplace, and of course, the biggest thing is people starting their vehicles to warm them up and leaving them running in their garages. You should never ever leave your car running in your garage."

He also says that people too often underestimate the danger associated with carbon monoxide poisoning and that he sees too many homes that don't have the proper detectors installed. He says "There are still so many homes that don't have a carbon monoxide detector. You can pick one up at Canadian Tire or Walmart, you can really pick one up just about anywhere. They cost about $60 and will last you a good five to six years and it's an important investment."

Although cold weather brings increased risk, carbon monoxide exposures happen throughout the year, resulting from sources other than gas appliances and heating systems.

Avery says that having a carbon monoxide detector in your home is as important as having a smoke detector.